Understanding the Second Stage of Labor: Pushing Explained

Labor is more than biology—it’s transformation. As you enter the second stage—pushing—you’re not just nearing the finish line; you’re stepping into one of life’s most potent moments. Whether this is your first birth or your fourth, understanding this stage can calm fears, build confidence, and help you work with your body, not against it.

🌸 What Is the Second Stage of Labor?

The second stage begins when you’re fully dilated (10 centimetres) and ends when your baby arrives in your arms. This is when you shift from opening to delivering—riding waves of contractions and using your strength, breath, and support system to guide your baby through the birth canal.

It’s raw. It’s intense. And it’s deeply human.

🔔 How Do You Know You’ve Reached the Pushing Stage?

Many moms describe this stage with phrases like:

“I couldn’t stop my body from bearing down—it just knew.”

Here are common signs:

• A strong, almost involuntary urge to push (especially without an epidural)
• Intense pressure in the rectum—like needing to poop
• A shift in contractions—more pressure than pain
• A glimpse of your baby’s head (crowning)

⏳ How Long Does Pushing Last?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. For first-time moms, it typically lasts 1 to 2 hours. However, its length may vary based on:

• Baby’s position
• Whether you had an epidural
• Your energy level
• If passive descent (resting phase) is used

Even if it takes longer, what matters most is that both mom and baby are stable.

👶 Baby’s Position: Anterior vs. Posterior

Most babies are anterior—facing your back. This is ideal.

But pushing may take longer if the baby is posterior (facing your belly). You might feel:

• Increased back pain
• Less effective contractions
• There is a need for more position changes to rotate the baby

Your provider may guide you into positions like hands and knees to help your baby turn naturally.

💥 What Do Contractions Feel Like Now?

Contractions during pushing are intensely productive. Unlike early labor, you’re not just enduring them—you’re riding them like waves with a mission.

They typically:

• Come every 2 to 5 minutes
• Last 45 to 90 seconds
• Are paired with an urge to push
• It feels like immense pressure low in your pelvis

Many moms say these contractions are more manageable to handle mentally because each brings them closer to their baby.

💤 The Importance of the “Rest Before Push” Phase

Sometimes, before active pushing begins, contractions slow.

This isn’t failure—it’s your body resting before the final push. Use this time to:

• Breathe deeply
• Sip water
• Center yourself
• Visualize holding your baby

🕰️ What Is Delayed or Passive Pushing?

If you’re fully dilated but don’t feel the urge to push—wait. This is called delayed pushing, especially useful if:

• You have an epidural and don’t feel pressure
• You or the baby need to recover first
• You’re waiting for the baby to descend naturally

Research shows that delayed pushing can:

• Reduce fatigue
• Shorten active pushing
• Lower the chance of interventions

🧘‍♀️ Effective Positions for Pushing

Choosing the correct position can make a big difference. Below is a table of popular pushing positions, their uses, and benefits:

Position	Use Case	Benefits
Squatting	When you want to use gravity	Opens pelvis, speeds descent
Birthing stool	Controlled upright push	Helps pelvis open, great for shorter labors
Hands-and-knees	Baby is posterior or back pain present	Helps rotate baby, eases pressure
Side-lying	Slower delivery needed or exhausted	Reduces tearing, good for epidurals
Supported standing	Partner can support under arms	Great gravity, opens pelvis

🔥 What Happens During Crowning?

Crowning is when your baby’s head begins to stretch the perineum. You may feel:

• A powerful urge to push
• A burning or stretching sensation—called the “ring of fire.”
• A rush of adrenaline and determination

Some mothers ask for a mirror to see their baby’s head—this can be incredibly motivating.

🛑 When You Might Be Asked to Stop Pushing

There may be moments when your care team asks you to pause:

• If the cervix isn’t fully dilated yet
• To allow the perineum to stretch and reduce tearing
• If the baby needs time to adjust

💡 Pro tip: Pant like you’re blowing out birthday candles. Relax your jaw, breathe gently, and let your provider guide the moment.

🗣️ Breathing and Making Noise – Yes, It Helps

You don’t need to be silent during birth. Vocalizing helps:

• Open your body
• Release tension
• Focus energy

Try:

• Open-mouthed exhales
• Low groans or grunts
• Gentle breath holds (not too long)

Trust your instincts—no “right” way to breathe.

🤝 How to Work With Contractions

Follow your body’s lead:

• Push during peak contractions
• Rest between them
• Tune in to what feels right—some women push three times per contraction, others once and deeply

Listen to your birth coach or nurse—they’ll help guide your rhythm.

🧡 What Support Can Help During Pushing?

Labor isn’t meant to be done alone. During pushing, support is everything:

• Your partner holding your hand, locking eyes, and whispering encouragement
• A doula offering cold washcloths or counter-pressure
• A nurse helping you breathe through the tough spots

Even a single encouraging word can carry you through the hardest push.

⚠️ Common Challenges During Pushing

Every birth is different. Pushing can sometimes come with the following:

• Extreme fatigue
• Emotional overload (tears are normal!)
• Slow progress
• Need for vacuum or forceps assistance

The goal is always a safe delivery, not a perfect one.

👶 After Your Baby Is Born

You did it. You pushed life into the world. Here’s what usually happens next:

• Your baby is placed skin-to-skin on your chest
• The umbilical cord is clamped and cut
• The third stage of labor begins—delivery of the placenta
• Emotions flood in—joy, relief, tears, awe

Welcome to motherhood. Breathe it in.

❓ FAQs About the Pushing Stage

💬 Final Thoughts: You Were Made for This

The pushing stage is raw, wild, and miraculous. You may cry, scream, laugh, or go quiet. You may push for 20 minutes or for hours. No two births look alike.

But one truth is universal:

You are powerful. You are enough. And you are bringing life into the world.

Let go of fear. Trust your breath. Let the waves carry you to your baby.